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The shoulder season from April to early June and September to October is the best time to visit British Columbia for those seeking great deals or solitude during the hikes across Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park and West Coast Trail. Early autumn might be busy and rainy, but the foliage hues during that time are unbelievable, especially when viewed from the Rocky Mountaineer Train. November to March period brings snowy weather, perfect for skiing in at Whistler Blackcomb. Awe-seekers will enjoy spotting Northern Lights and watching an unforgettable storm in Tofino. Summer is the busiest time in British Columbia, gathering both tourists and whales, but there is plenty of space for everyone. The only crowded places are Shambhala Music Festival or Vancouver Island Musicfest.

55 things to do in British Columbia

Sea Lion Pups

mid-May–July Nature

Spy out amusing sea lions playing with pups at the coastal areas and islands of British Columbia

Hawaii Cruises

April–August Activity

Be prepared for adventures when cruising the Pacific

Skiing & Snowboarding in Vancouver

November–late April Activity

Charming nature, jaw-dropping views, and world class slopes and trails can be found skiing around Vancouver

West Coast Trail

May–September Activity

Enjoy this stunning coastal trail as you walk in the footsteps of the First Nation ancestors

Fishing

January–mid-November Activity

Salmon is just one of many reasons to try fishing in British Columbia. Come and enjoy world class deep sea fishing together with river fishing

Sky Walking at Mt. Nimbus

June–August Activity

Most remote and probably the most beautiful via ferrata walk in Canada

Grizzly Bear Watching

mid-May–October Nature

Take a close look at grizzly bears in the mountains

Spotted Lake

May–August Nature

Unique beauty and creative work of minerals can be observed on the Spotted Lake during summer

Salmon Run

early to mid-October (the next dominant year is 2026) Nature

Every four years, sometime in October, millions of migrating sockeye salmon paint the Adams River scarlet-red

Thanksgiving

October 14, 2024 Event

Being mainly a family holiday, Thanksgiving is a great time to taste traditional dishes and observe different customs

Celebration of Light

July 20, 2024 | July 24, 2024 | July 27, 2024 Event

Don't miss one of the most spectacular sound and light events in the world!

Seal Pups

May–August Nature

If you have never seen seals before, British Columbia is a great viewing spot. Come in summer for the adorable pups!

Vancouver Island MusicFest

July 12-14, 2024 Event

Discover this weekend amidst beautiful nature and with great music

Kayaking

April–October Activity

Enjoy a perfect day or two on kayak, surrounded by gorgeous nature and an amazing variety of wildlife

Bald Eagle Count

early January | 3rd weekend of November Activity

Thousands of bald eagles can be observed near the lakesides. You can even volunteer and take part in the huge counting expedition

Shambhala Music Festival

July 26-29, 2024 Event

Come and enjoy one of the largest electronic music festivals in Canada

Seafood Season

May–September Food

If you are a seafood fan, late spring is the right time to visit the B.C. and Vancouver restaurants and enjoy a variety of sea fish dishes

Golf

April–October Activity

Stunning views and plenty of gorgeous, pristine courses await you

Summer Fruits and Veggies

July–September Food

Fresh local food is ready for you! Come and enjoy various food festivals and fresh farmers' markets

Storm Watching in Tofino

November–February Activity

A natural phenomenon of impressive scale

Okanagan Grape Harvest

mid-August–early October Nature

Explore the province's best and most picturesque wineries

Birdwatching

all year round Activity

Relish the birding experience in southern British Columbia

Cambie climbing tree

all year round Activity

Are you fit enough to climb a towering Canadian evergreen?

Spirit Bears

late August–early October Nature

Immerse yourself in Canadian wilderness and meet the rare Spirit Bear

Skookumchuck Narrows

all year round Nature

Enjoy one of the greatest natural spectacles of British Columbia

Vancouver Folk Music Festival

July 19–21, 2024 Event

Enjoy the magical ambience of the festival for the whole family

Vancouver Fashion Week

October 22–27, 2024 Event

Sensational selection of designers is awaiting you at the second largest fashion week across North America

Royal Victoria Marathon

October 11–13, 2024 Event

Gain yourself an unmatchable running experience in all of the West Coast

Vancouver Christmas Market

November 12–December 23, 2024 Event

An Old World tradition that has become a favorite for locals

Vancouver International Jazz Festival

June 21–30, 2024 Event

The largest music festival in British Columbia with 1800 artists and over half a million jazz fans

Vancouver Santa Claus Parade

December 2024 Event

The largest Christmas Parade in Western Canada

Abbotsford Tulip Festival

2020 (cancelled) Event

Breathtaking display of millions of flowers

Landslide Lake

June–September Nature

One of the best hikes on Vancouver Island

Floe Lake

mid-July–September Nature

Cobalt lake lying at the foot of the picturesque mountains

Juan de Fuca Trail

late May–early September Activity

A beautiful Vancouver Island trail featuring Jordan river, Mystic Beach and other attractions

Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park

late April–early October Nature

Hiking, fishing, canoeing and kayaking destination

Mount Cheam

July–October Activity

A beautiful hike in Canadian Cascades with blooming wildflowers along the way

Crankworx Whistler

July 19–28, 2024 Event

A massive celebration of elite-level mountain biking

Takakkaw Falls & Twin Falls

mid-June–September Nature

The most picturesque part of Yoho National Park

Cherry Blossom in Victoria

mid-February–March Nature

A quintessential part of spring in the capital of British Columbia

Mt Albert Edward

late June–early October Activity

Discover beautiful mountains of Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island

Whale Watching

March–October (best options in mid-July–October) Nature

One of the best places in the world to spot killer, gray or humpback whales

Panorama Ridge Hike

July–October Activity

The perfect outlook on amazing Garibaldi Provincial Park

Halloween in Victoria

October 1–31, 2024 Event

Discover wicked, historical, and incredibly beautiful Victoria during its autumn harvest events

Halloween in Vancouver: Parade & Events

late September–early November Event

October is filled with fun and fright in Greater Vancouver

Cranberry Harvest

late September–early November Activity

In the middle of fall, plain low-growing cranberry vines transform into exuberant red bogs

Helmcken Falls

all year round (frozen in December–February | camping in June–September) Nature

The waterfall, accessible all year round, looks especially stunning when frozen into a snow crater

Northern Lights

August–April Nature

Choose British Columbia for a memorable visual adventure

New Year’s Eve in Vancouver

December 31 Event

Ring in the new year with numerous festive events in Vancouver city center

FAN EXPO Vancouver

February 21-23, 2025 Event

A colorful cosplay event for all fans of pop culture entertainment

Capital City Comic Con Victoria

late September Event

Victoria's premier comic convention

Fall Colors in Vancouver

mid-September–mid-November Event

The bustling seaport in the Lower Mainland is famous for its vibrant foliage

Vernon Winter Carnival

February 7-16, 2025 Event

Western Canada's largest winter festival

Boundary Bay Airshow

July 13, 2024 Event

With free admission, the event still showcases some of the country's finest aircraft aerobatics and static displays

Kaslo Jazz Festival

August 2-4, 2024 Event

An outdoor summer festival in the West Kootenay region

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